Paul Whibley wins Raglan Rocx 4 hour soloThe Raglan Rocx would be a good measure of how the pre-season training is progressing.KC Entertainment put up $500 for the hole shot, probably the biggest pay out ever for a holeshot in NZ XC history. I’m not sure if it was the H.S. money or an off weekend but a few top MX boys turned up, namely Ben Townley, Cody Cooper and International MX1 rider Jake Nicholls from the UK.  Yamaha was well represented in the Ironman class with Adrian Smith and Rory Mead both looking for the conditioning benefits from 4 hours in the saddle.A little late to the line meant a far outside pick, not ideal but I was still confident of a reasonable start. I was expecting some carnage in the first turn with guys having dollar signs in their eyes but the time I spent during the week practicing the NZ style of dead engine starting paid off with the bike firing quickly and launching towards turn one, taking the money and lead. I soon discovered a problem with my drink system. The bladder must have burst as I could feel all the fluid running down my back. I sucked hard on the mouth piece trying to get as much fluid in before it was gone. It was going to be a tough day with little drink. Lucky I prepped a spare drink system before the start and at one of the fuel stops Katherine and dump can operator Mark Pollard strapped it on. Rory Mead had been chasing me for the first half of the event and a little tip over in a rut resulted in a busted peak on my helmet and the lead falling into Rorys’ hands. I struggled with the peak, having to slow to remove it as the high speed nature of the track resulted in the peak sticking straight up and the wind trying to tear my head off. Once I had reverted to bullet-man style I was back up to speed. I reeled Rory in and retook the lead with an hour to go. I was able to pull away and cruise for the last couple of laps with a safe lead.
Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace, Tire Balls, bikesportnz.com,Spectro, JT,DID The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by: FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne GYTR IMS Leatt Brace Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Cycra Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing AllBalls Racing Pro Taper |